Tips to protect your children from online

Having a computer can enhance our lives and the Internet is fast becoming an indispensable tool in not only adult’s lives but in the daily lives of children and teenagers. A little bit of safety can go a long way in terms of protecting our families.

• Keep the computer in a central area so you can see what's happening when your kids are using it.
• Choose a browser that's child friendly such as Yahooligans
• Install surveillance software such as the one located at emailspy.com to keep track of everything happening on the computer. This can provide you with details you can use to ensure safe usage of your computer.
• Post the rules for safe computer use near the computer so your child sees what's expected of him/her.
• Set times for usage such as set times per day when your child is allowed to use the computer so you know exactly how much time they are spending online and can track their activities appropriately.
• Tell your children they can only chat with people that they know and review their instant messenger buddy lists to determine who your child is speaking with.
• Review your child's 'myspace.com' or other similar sites to see what information they are posting about them to ensure their safety.

General Suggestions
Safety rule suggestions to be posted near your computer are:

• Don't chat with strangers
• Never give out your real name, address or phone number
• Do not send out pictures online
• Do not download files or programs without permission
• Do not use the web cam with strangers
• Only use Yahooligans (or other parent approved website) for Internet searches unless Mom or Dad is present before you click on a link
• Ask Mom or Dad before entering any online contest that requires personal details.

Children can benefit from help with their homework, fun and games and contest entries online. You need to be careful to overlook your children's activities. Children are trusting by nature and some predators gain children's trust by engaging in conversations with them over a long period of time before subtly asking for personal information and photographs. Many pedophiles will pose as children in chat rooms for long periods of time before making a move in order to secure your child's trust.